Tying 2 sumps together with return pumps in both..please help

77bandit · 04/20/2019, 07:23 AM

So, I've mentioned this idea before and now I'm really scared after some responses. I can't remember from whom exactly. But, I would love to hear from any and all that have done this. Again, my stand is 10'x24"(interior width)x24-29"H(supports every 18"). Anyway, I want a sump w/skimmer at one end and sump w/refugium at the other. I would love to have my return pumps directly below my end overflows as tank is viewed from both sides. I would tie the 2 sumps together with 1.5" PVC as I'm sure the flow will be different through both although I'll have identical sumps w/identical pumps and overflows are identical as well.
Anyway, has anyone done this?
If so, results?

Jason9488 · 04/20/2019, 08:31 AM

Run one pump and draw from both sumps. Should not have any issues.

slief · 04/20/2019, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason9488

Run one pump and draw from both sumps. Should not have any issues.

+1. That’s how mine is setup. I have the main sump where the tank drains into and then that sump flows through a pair of bulkheads to my refugium which is where my return section is. I also have a bypass line that allows me to bypass the refugium (for maintenance purposes) and draw direct from the primary sump just by closing one valve and opening another. You can see the bypass in the first picture.

untico · 04/20/2019, 03:29 PM

I originally setup my system with two sumps as I didn’t trust a big skimmer externally. I connected the two with a pair of 1 1/2 pipes but I used a single pump. Worked with no problems. Eventually I bought a 180 gal sump and added one of the previous sumps just for the skimmer with three 1 1/2 pipes. I recently added a new pump : Red Dragon 3 Speedy 230 Watt which is silent.

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ca1ore · 04/20/2019, 08:52 PM

You can have dual sumps, each with their own pump as long as there’s a balancing pipe of sufficient size connecting the two. How do you intend to configure the drains? One into each sump? If it were me, I’d use a 2” balancing pipe.

77bandit · 04/22/2019, 02:33 PM

they'll be mirror image sumps each setting below my end overflows...it's a double sided tank so each overflow box has 2 1.5" drains and 2 3/4" returns...again, i'll have pumps in each return area and, again, yoke the 2 sumps together with 1.5" or 2" pvc pipe...i may have 2 pipes linking the sumps together...i want the return pumps directly below the overflow boxes so that i won't have as much head pressure

04/20/2019, 07:23 AM	#1
77bandit Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 32	Tying 2 sumps together with return pumps in both..please help So, I've mentioned this idea before and now I'm really scared after some responses. I can't remember from whom exactly. But, I would love to hear from any and all that have done this. Again, my stand is 10'x24"(interior width)x24-29"H(supports every 18"). Anyway, I want a sump w/skimmer at one end and sump w/refugium at the other. I would love to have my return pumps directly below my end overflows as tank is viewed from both sides. I would tie the 2 sumps together with 1.5" PVC as I'm sure the flow will be different through both although I'll have identical sumps w/identical pumps and overflows are identical as well. Anyway, has anyone done this? If so, results?

04/20/2019, 03:29 PM	#4
untico Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 596	I originally setup my system with two sumps as I didn’t trust a big skimmer externally. I connected the two with a pair of 1 1/2 pipes but I used a single pump. Worked with no problems. Eventually I bought a 180 gal sump and added one of the previous sumps just for the skimmer with three 1 1/2 pipes. I recently added a new pump : Red Dragon 3 Speedy 230 Watt which is silent. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Louis, Pura vida mae Current Tank Info: 300gal Mixed reef, AI 52 HD LED'S /180 gal.Sump-AI 52 w/Refugium , 50gal Skimmer sump, 20gal quarantine tank. No Chiller :>)

04/20/2019, 08:52 PM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	You can have dual sumps, each with their own pump as long as there’s a balancing pipe of sufficient size connecting the two. How do you intend to configure the drains? One into each sump? If it were me, I’d use a 2” balancing pipe. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

04/20/2019, 08:31 AM	#2
Jason9488 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 152	Run one pump and draw from both sumps. Should not have any issues.

04/22/2019, 02:33 PM	#6
77bandit Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 32	they'll be mirror image sumps each setting below my end overflows...it's a double sided tank so each overflow box has 2 1.5" drains and 2 3/4" returns...again, i'll have pumps in each return area and, again, yoke the 2 sumps together with 1.5" or 2" pvc pipe...i may have 2 pipes linking the sumps together...i want the return pumps directly below the overflow boxes so that i won't have as much head pressure